A man in Smithville, Ontario, accused of the murder of a woman in 2024 is now facing an additional 25 charges, according to Niagara police. The new charges against 44-year-old Joseph Villneff from West Lincoln include offenses such as sexual assault of minors and the production of child sexual abuse material.
The investigation into the death of 62-year-old Cathy Prosje, who was found deceased in her home near Linden Street and Alma Drive in April 2024, led to Villneff being charged with first-degree murder in October 2024. Later, in July 2025, Prosje’s sister, Carolyn Prosje, was also charged with first-degree murder.
Niagara police did not disclose the connection, if any, between the new charges and Prosje’s death. The Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) detectives joined the investigation into the murder of Prosje, leading to the discovery of additional child sexual abuse material. Subsequently, Villneff faced charges including secretly recording individuals for sexual purposes, producing child sexual abuse material, sexual assault of minors, sexual interference, possession of child sexual abuse material, and related offenses.
Villneff is currently in custody and is set to appear in court on January 28, as per police reports.
